P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has vowed that the team won’t “give up” on returning to championship contention before
After dominating for eight consecutive seasons, Mercedes has struggled since the reintroduction of ground effect machinery in 2022. The team’s decision to persist with the ‘zeropod’ concept has hindered their performance, while Red Bull has thrived with the downwash sidepod solution. Despite this disadvantage, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains determined to recover their championship credentials within the remaining two years of the current rules cycle. However, he acknowledges the challenge of catching up to Red Bull and believes that finding the right car setup is crucial, as drivers need to have trust in their vehicle. In terms of engine regulations, the 2026 season will bring significant changes, including the removal of the MGU-H component and the use of sustainable fuels. Mercedes has been developing their 2026 engine in collaboration with McLaren since 2022, but chassis development is restricted until January 2025. The 2026 cars will be lighter, narrower, shorter, and feature moveable aero on both the front and rear wings.
